2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4

2006 Chicago Auto Show

TONY SWAN

Feb 10, 2006

MARY SEELHORST

If you liked the Neon-based SRT4, you’re gonna love the Caliber version. The Caliber is Dodge’s daring replacement for the Neon, and the SRT-4 is its ultimate expression. SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology, the DaimlerChrysler skunkworks devoted to making not-so-fast cars faster, and fast cars faster still. Although the displacement is roughly the same as the previous SRT4 powerplant, this is an all-new four-cylinder aluminum engine, developed jointly by the DCX Chrysler Group, Hyundai Motor, and Mitsubishi. Dubbed the World Engine, it’s produced in Dundee, Michigan, and in SRT tune it sports turbocharging, intercooling, variable valve timing, balance shafts, and a dual-mass flywheel. Output — 300 horsepower, 260-pound feet of torque — is formidable, and the power finds its way to the front wheels via a six-speed Getrag manual gearbox and limited slip differential. It’s a hot package, and looks it, with raceworthy bucket seats, a functional hood scoop, huge brakes, oversize calipers, 19-inch cast aluminum wheels, and low-profile W-rated Goodyear tires. The new SRT-4 is due in Dodge showrooms in mid-2007. Look for a base price of about $26,000.